By Zhao Yu

Manufacturing and ports are two of Ningbo's key strengths, and during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Energy Ministers Meeting, delegates from SCO countries had the opportunity to explore the city's impressive capabilities.

On June 27, delegates from Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and other nations visited the ZEEKR Meishan Smart Factory, Ningbo Zhoushan Port Meidong Container Terminal Co., Ltd., and Ningbo Orient Cable Co., Ltd. The visit offered a glimpse into Ningbo's advancements in new energy applications and green development.

Electric Vehicles Everywhere

The first stop was the ZEEKR Meishan Smart Factory, owned by Geely Holding Group.

As they approached the assembly line, the delegation was impressed by the level of automation: smart carts swiftly moved along preset tracks, delivering components to designated spots with precision; industrial robots extended their flexible arms, using advanced visual recognition technology to quickly pick up parts, accurately locate mounting holes, and complete installations at rapid speeds.

"The scale of the factory and its level of automation are truly remarkable," said Zbrahem Alnajem, Deputy Head of Mission and Counselor at the Embassy of Kuwait in China.

Alnajem reflected on his initial impressions of China, noting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. "We definitely need more electric vehicles to address climate change, while also providing consumers with more choices," he emphasized.

Gulnur Nurkeyeva, Managing Partner at Grata International Law Firm in Kazakhstan, shared a similar sentiment. "Since coming to China, I've replaced two gasoline-powered cars with electric vehicles!" she said.

"If you want to change the world, start with yourself. Switching to electric vehicles is a contribution we can all make to reduce pollution," she added.

From Traditional to Green

Vast arrays of photovoltaic panels gleamed under the sun, while the sea breeze gently turned the massive blades of wind turbines. This is the Meishan Port Area, the heart of Ningbo Zhoushan Port. Recently, the port launched the province's first integrated demonstration project that combines distributed wind power, photovoltaics, energy storage, and microgrids. This initiative is already driving significant reductions in the port's overall energy consumption and carbon emissions intensity.

"What impressed me most was the intelligent energy management here," said Zhanat Zhakhmetova, Director of the Digital Development Department at NC KazMunaiGas. Ningbo has built a comprehensive smart energy system, complete with power generation and grid load management to real-time monitoring of energy storage systems. "This end-to-end intelligent management, which optimizes both energy production and consumption, is key to achieving sustainable development."

Zhanat Zhakhmetova also emphasized that Ningbo's innovative approach to smart energy management and green infrastructure offers valuable lessons for other countries.

"This is the green port I envisioned!" said Ulzhan Tulegenova Akhmetova, Head of Decarbonisation Division at NC KazMunaiGas. This was her first visit to a port. "The transformation from a traditional port to a green one—Ningbo has set a perfect example."

As an environmentalist, she paid special attention to the port's carbon reduction metrics. "Seeing the specific pathways and figures for achieving carbon neutrality is truly exciting. The port industry has enormous potential for carbon reduction."

Nurkeyeva added that Ningbo Zhoushan Port is a real-world example of how carbon neutrality policies are being implemented globally.

"Reports or policies come across as feasible in the abstract, but witnessing it firsthand is entirely different," she said. What impressed her most was learning that many port facilities could be powered by just five wind turbines. "This proves that carbon neutrality isn't just a policy slogan—it can be put into real action."

Sharing Ningbo's Success

The final stop for delegates was the Ningbo Orient Cable Future Factory. As one of the world's top ten submarine cable manufacturers, Orient Cable specializes in the R&D and production of high-end marine energy equipment. The delegates toured the factory's digital exhibition center, high-voltage submarine cable production lines, testing facilities, and its 20,000-ton-class wharf.

"Our country also has factories, but the production scale here is truly impressive. The variety of products and advanced production lines are goals we need to strive toward," said Akmalkhon Khadjikhanov, General Manager of Silk Road Energy Planning Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. in Uzbekistan.

As an energy professional, Khojikhonov paid particular attention to Ningbo's thriving tech sector: "Ningbo has a large number of advanced tech companies, which is why it has developed so rapidly."

For many delegates, this was their first visit to Ningbo. "I'm delighted to discover another vibrant city in China. Ningbo is a beautiful city with friendly people and a lovely natural environment," said Alnajem.

"I thought Ningbo was a small city, but it has nearly 10 million people, equivalent to half of Kazakhstan's population. The city boasts high-tech modern factories alongside beautiful lakes and rivers. It's both tranquil and full of development opportunities—a truly ideal place to live and work," said Nurkeyeva.

Zhakhmetova remarked, "China, especially Ningbo, should actively share these successful experiences to help more countries achieve sustainable development goals."